Official Welcome for the Haitian U17 National Team at the Spanish Embassy in Haiti
By Mardoche D’Aout · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
As a prelude to their European training camp, the Haitian men's U17 national team was warmly received this Monday, August 11, by the Spanish Embassy in Haiti. This official reception underscores the strategic and symbolic importance of this camp for the « Grenadiers » on their path to the U17 World Cup 2025, which will be held in Qatar.
Upon their arrival, the young players, led by coach Eddy César, were warmly greeted by the Spanish Ambassador as well as by several diplomatic officials and members of the Instituto Cervantes. This meeting symbolized Spain's benevolent support for a major sporting destination for Haiti, particularly in the context of strengthening junior football. In an atmosphere of enthusiasm and professionalism, Spanish officials expressed their admiration for the journey of the young Haitians, while emphasizing the importance, in their view, of providing these talents with an immersive preparation phase in Europe. A stated objective: to allow the U17 national team to fully immerse themselves in a competitive and structured environment, away from home, to stimulate their individual and collective progress. This diplomatic reception is part of a multi-phase preparation strategy:
Upon their arrival, the young players, led by coach Eddy César, were warmly greeted by the Spanish Ambassador as well as by several diplomatic officials and members of the Instituto Cervantes. This meeting symbolized Spain's benevolent support for a major sporting destination for Haiti, particularly in the context of strengthening junior football. In an atmosphere of enthusiasm and professionalism, Spanish officials expressed their admiration for the journey of the young Haitians, while emphasizing the importance, in their view, of providing these talents with an immersive preparation phase in Europe. A stated objective: to allow the U17 national team to fully immerse themselves in a competitive and structured environment, away from home, to stimulate their individual and collective progress. This diplomatic reception is part of a multi-phase preparation strategy:
- On Haitian soil: intensive training and friendly matches aimed at consolidating team spirit.
- Regional camp (Jamaica, late August – mid-September): confrontations against Caribbean U17 national teams.
- European stage (Spain, late September – late October): full immersion and high-level matches before departing for Qatar.
